Description
Book SynopsisLIke other languages, Latin contained certain words its speakers considered obscene as well as a rich stock of sexual euphemism and metaphor. Our sources for this information range from surviving graffiti to literary works with a marked sexual content. Yet despite its manifest literary and linguistic interest, the sexual vocabulary of Latin has remained uninvestigated by scholars. J. A. Adams's pioneering and unique reference work collects for the first time evidence of Latin obscenities and sexual euphemisms drawn from both literary and nonliterary sources from the early Republic to about he fouth century A.D. Separate chaptes treat each of the sexual pasrts of the body and the terminology used to describe sexual acts. General topics include the influence of Greek language on Latin, changes in the Latin vocabulary over time (including the evolution of sexual words into general terms of abuse), and lexical differences among various literary genres.
Trade ReviewA sterling scholarly achievement by a distinguished philologist: shrewd, learned, concise and rigorous. It contributes to the study of poetry [and] literary history. London Review of Books A serious scholarly examination of a much-neglected aspect of Roman literature. Classical World
Table of ContentsPreface
Abbreviations
Part I. Introduction
Part II. MENTVLA and Its Synonyms
Part III. Designations of the Female Genitalia
Part IV. CVLVS and Its Synonyms
Part V. The Vocabulary Relating to Sexual Acts
Part VI. Conclusion
Appendix: The Vocabulary Relating to Bodily Functions
